XERF
The Next Generation of Non-Invasive Skin Tightening
No Needles. No pain. No downtime.
Dr. Lisa Hwang
Why I chose XERF
I’m so excited to launch XERF, a new device for structural skin tightening! I wanted a treatment that could deliver noticeable skin tightening and lifting, with minimal discomfort and downtime. That’s why XERF absolutely stood out to me — it’s the only skin tightening device that’s virtually pain-free, delivering just a gentle warmth.
Using fractional radiofrequency energy, XERF stimulates growth of collagen and elastin, restores firmness, and improves skin texture, all while keeping the surface of the skin intact! It’s ideal for anyone looking for a subtle, natural lift and skin tightening without surgery.
5 fast facts about xerf
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It tightens and lifts skin by delivering controlled radiofrequency energy (NO needles). It targets fibrous septae without injuring subcutaneous fat
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It boosts collagen and elasticity, and stimulates natural collagen remodeling over several weeks.
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It smooths fine lines and improves texture.
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There is NO downtime!
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It is Pain-FREE!
Perfect for professionals
This device heats up the tissue to tighten the collagen and stimulate collagen growth as well as elastin growth. Elastin is what contributes to the elasticity of the skin.
In my practice, I see a lot of young professionals, who have very demanding jobs, find it difficult to take time off, as well as not wanting to take any downtime. XERF an impactful yet discreet treatment because you can get the treatment at lunch, and essentially go back to work afterwards.
​Have you started to notice deepening smile lines (nasolabial folds) by your nose, or jowling (marionette lines) beside the corners of your mouth? Are you bothered by loose, skin along your lower face or neck, but surgery sounds too intimidating, or you can’t afford to take time off of work for a facelift or neck lift? Or perhaps you’re still in your 20’s or 30’s, but you’re eager to stay ahead of the aging process with preventative treatments that actually work.
The revolutionary XERF system was recently FDA-cleared in the US in 2025, and we’re proud to be among the first plastic surgery practices in the United States to offer it!
Developed over six years of research and development, XERF delivers unmatched precision and power for deep dermal remodeling and skin tightening. Its dual-wavelength technology allows for customized depth of penetration — reaching the SMAS, the same foundational layer targeted during surgical facelifts. Meanwhile, advanced Cryogen Cooling Technology protects your skin and keeps treatments comfortable and virtually pain-free!
Experience the most powerful, non-invasive solution for lifting, tightening, and rejuvenating your skin — no needles, no pain, no downtime!
Problem areas
Brow.
With age, the brow can settle lower and the upper eyelid can start to look heavy. XERF delivers controlled radio frequency energy to the support layer around the brow and forehead to stimulate collagen and improve skin firmness. The goal is a subtle, rested look around the brow without injectables or surgery. We do not treat upper or lower eyelids with XERF to avoid eye injury.
Midface Support.
Loss of support in the midface can deepen nasolabial folds with excess skin laxity accentuating shadows, causing the midface to appear tired and unhappy. XERF can be used over the midface to improve skin quality and alleviate skin laxity and shadows in that area. While it is not a filler and will not replace lost volume, healthier, tighter skin supported by growth of collagen and elastin can soften the facial appearance and make the midface look more youthful.
Lower Face & Neck.
With aging, we face bony resorption and soft tissue volume loss. As collagen weakens, the tissue in the lower face drifts down, creating early jowls and softens the angle of the jaw. XERF treats along the jawline, lower face, submentum, and neck to contract existing collagen and signal new collagen and elastin production. This can smooth the transition at the corners of the mouth down toward the chin and give the jawline a cleaner, more defined contour. It may also improve the appearance of a “double chin,” when skin laxity, rather than adiposity, is the root cause.
Procedure.
Before your visit, arrive with clean skin without makeup, lotions, self-tanner, or retinoids. If you’re prone to cold sores and we’re treating around the mouth, ask about a preventive prescription so you can recover smoothly.
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At the appointment, Dr. Lisa Hwang will review your goals, discuss realistic expectations, and take baseline photos. She will cleanse the skin and apply a conductive gel. The hand-piece then glides over each area, delivering controlled radiofrequency heat pulses. XERF is designed to be a comfortable treatment, delivering warmth, though you may experience occasional “hot” moments. With accurate and constant feedback, you will enable Dr. Lisa Hwang to adjust the energy, depth, and cooling cryogen to deliver the most comfortable treatment possible. When XERF treatment is done, the gel is removed and a recovery serum is applied.
Most people describe the sensation of XERF as mild to moderately warm and tolerable without numbing, especially with Dr. Lisa Hwang’s attentive care. Immediately after, skin may look slightly pink briefly, but quickly settles back to normal.
For aftercare, resume your daily skincare: gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF 30+. Avoid strong actives like acids or retinoids for 24 - 48 hours. Makeup is usually permitted the same day once any pinkness fades.
recovery.
Side effects are typically mild and temporary - think transient pink/redness, slight swelling, feeling of “tightness”. Very rarely, small heat bumps can appear and resolve on their own.
RESULTS OVER TIME.
Results build gradually. Many people notice an immediate “tightness” and glow right away, with early smoothing over the next few weeks. The most visible tightening and lift develop over two to six months as new collagen matures. Most plans include two sessions spaced about four to eight weeks apart, then maintenance every six to twelve months (or longer) depending on your goals and how your skin ages.
RISKS & CONSIDERATIONS.
Patients with active skin infection in the treatment area, certain implanted electronic devices (such as pacemakers/defibrillators), or who are pregnant may not be candidates and should discuss this with Dr. Lisa Hwang prior to treatment. As with any collagen-stimulating procedure, individual results vary. You can expect improvement, but not the same degree of change as surgery.
FAQs
Who is XERF RF Skin Restructuring for?
XERF is a good match if you want noticeably firmer skin without injections or surgery. It suits mild to moderate laxity on the face, neck, or select body areas and early signs of aging like soft jawline definition or fine lines. If your schedule is busy, the no-downtime profile makes it easy to return to normal activity the same day. We can customize settings for most skin types after an in-person evaluation. We can customize settings for your skin type after an in-person evaluation.
Why might two sessions be recommended for me?
Collagen remodeling is cumulative: two thoughtfully spaced sessions typically outperform one visit. We usually recommend spacing sessions 4-8 weeks apart; improvements continue to build for several months after treatment. Some patients are happy after one, but many see even more improvement after the second.
What results can I expect?
Expect gradual tightening with improved skin texture and blunting of fine lines as new collagen and elastin build. The jawline and cheeks often appear a touch more defined or “slimmed down,” and the skin takes on a healthier, more even appearance. Early changes can be noticed immediately, but the most meaningful improvement typically appears over 2-6 months as collagen matures.
How long will my results last?
Radiofrequency skin tightening like XERF stimulates growth of your own collagen and elastin, which can be long-lasting, but your skin keeps aging (and collagen continues to break down), so the effect will gradually soften over time at the rate of your natural aging. You can wind back the hands of the clock, but the clock will still tick forward!
What credentials does Dr. Lisa Hwang hold?
Dr. Lisa Hwang, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic surgery. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and has completed extensive training, including full residencies in both general surgery and plastic surgery, followed by an aesthetic surgery fellowship endorsed by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
Dr. Hwang is an active member of several esteemed professional societies, including ASAPS, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the California Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS, and the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Her practice reflects a commitment to surgical precision, artistic vision, and compassionate, personalized care.
What does XERF RF Skin Tightening cost?
Costs can vary based on your individual goals. Reach out to us with the details of what you’re considering, and we’ll provide a ballpark estimate.